Gasparilla Arts Leads Community Collaboration to Unveil New East Tampa Mural Honoring Women’s History
Gasparilla Arts, in collaboration with community, cultural, and educational partners, will officially unveil a new public mural honoring the women who have shaped East Tampa’s history during a free community celebration on January 22.
The mural is located at the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa’s Chloe Coney Urban Enterprise Center, at 1907 E. Hillsborough Avenue. It will be celebrated with an on-site unveiling event from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is encouraged.
Spearheaded by Gasparilla Arts as part of its ongoing commitment to public art, cultural storytelling, and community engagement, the project represents a true collaboration from concept to completion. The mural was designed by acclaimed artist Michelle Sawyer, with historical guidance provided by Fred Hearns of the Tampa Bay History Center, ensuring the artwork authentically reflects East Tampa’s rich legacy.
Epicurean Hotel to Feature 2026 Class of Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts’ Local Artists Spotlight Program
The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA) and Epicurean Hotel are proud to announce a new collaboration celebrating Tampa Bay’s vibrant creative community. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 6:30 8:30 PM, Epicurean Theatre will host an opening reception of a special preview exhibition featuring the 2026 Class of GFA’s Local Artist Spotlight Program.
Supported by a grant from the Gobioff Foundation, the Local Artist Spotlight Program annually recognizes five exceptional Tampa Bay–based artists, awarding each a complimentary booth to exhibit and sell their work at the Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, occurring in 2026 on February 28–March 1. Participating artists also receive expanded visibility through GFA’s marketing and social media channels.
St. Pete pon-profit brings the magic of the theater to thousands of students
The Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts continues its mission to make live theater accessible to all students through its Class Acts: Youth Field Trip Series — a program that brings thousands of children from across Tampa Bay to The Mahaffey Theater each year for free educational performances.
On Monday, November 10th, Fox 13 cameras captured students arriving for La Maleta de Maebelle (Maebelle’s Suitcase) — a bilingual, one-woman show based on the beloved Reading Rainbow picture book.
The performance features a single actress shifting effortlessly between English and Spanish roles as she tells a touching story of friendship, identity, and belonging. The production highlights the power of language, culture, and storytelling, while underscoring the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and arts accessibility for every child in the community.
Empath Health, Nurse Next Door, and UNITY Moffitt Unite to Host Thanksgiving Dinner in St. Pete for Seniors
In the spirit of gratitude and community, Empath Health, Nurse Next Door, and UNITY Moffitt are joining forces to host the Nurse Next Door Thanksgiving Dinner, a free Friendsgiving celebration open to seniors in the community on Tuesday, November 25th, from 6:00–8:30 PM at Empath in St. Petersburg.
The evening will feature live entertainment, warm conversation, and a shared meal designed to foster compassion and connection among people. Seating is limited; early arrival is encouraged for this special community event.
Nurse Next Door, a home care/home health care agency serving Pinellas and Pasco Counties, is the sponsor and collaborator of this event — continuing its mission to make lives better and brighten the holidays for local families and seniors.
Students Explore Their Future at the Mahaffey Theater During BAM! Fest Career Day
The Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts invites the community to experience a truly inspiring event, the BAM! (Books, Art & Music) Outdoor Field Trip: Career Day, part of the Foundation’s acclaimed Class Acts Program, taking place Tuesday, October 21, at 10:30 AM at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater.
“BAM! Fest brings the arts, community, and career discovery together in a way that sparks imagination and purpose,” said Katrina Young, Vice President, Arts Education & Entertainment for the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts. “For many students, it’s their first time experiencing the Mahaffey Theater and meeting professionals who show them just how many exciting paths their future can take.”
This dynamic and educational day will welcome more than 800 students from local schools for an engaging morning of hands-on learning, creativity, and career exploration. Students will meet real-life professionals representing a wide range of fields, from dancers, actors, and stage technicians to first responders, paramedics, and even wildlife handlers, discovering how passion and profession come together in our community.
Each student will also take home a free book, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission to make the arts and literacy accessible to every child.